61] –The Great Public Banking Debate takes place on Thurs., Apr. 12 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Meetinghouse, 2111 Florida Ave., between Decatur and S Sts. NW, WDC.It will feature Marc Anderson, executive director of the Public Banking Institute and Marc Calabri, director of the Financial Regulation Studies at CATO Institute. If you are not happy with the way Wall Street operates, there is an alternative. Here in DC a group has already formed to look into creating a public bank for the city modeled after the only public bank in the U.S., the Bank of North Dakota, formed back in 1919 and going strong today. Go to http://www.publicbankinginstitute.org/programs.

63] – Several members of Fund Our Communities will be testifying to the Montgomery County Council on Thurs., Apr. 12, in opposition to a budget proposal for a $900,000 grant to Lockheed Martin. Go to http://ourfunds.org/2012/04/we-object-to-proposed-moco-grant-to-lockheed-martin/ There are seven people testifying in opposition to this grant proposal at the 1:30 hearing, including a MarylandDelegate, a union rep and several peace activists.At the 7 PM hearing, Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Senator, Jean Athey, Peace Action Montgomery and two others will testify in opposition.The newly formed group OccupyMontgomeryCounty will do a protest outside County Council offices from 6 to 8 PM on April 12.

65] –Mass Incarceration Symposium takes place on Thurs., Apr. 12 from 5 to 9 PM at Howard Univ., Blackburn Ballroom East.The event begins with a panel answering the question, What's Going On?Then at 7 PM, there will be another panel to ask this question, What Do We Do About It? Email ogsbison@gmail.com.

66] –Bill Barry is teaching a 3-credit course on the 1930s, covering Black Thursday to Pearl Harbor at CCBC-Essex. It continues on Thurs., Apr. 11 from 5:45 to 8:40 PM.He sees a lot of comparisons between That Depression and This Depression, and how people and the government responded. See great videos and listen to guest speakers on this period of our history. This is a 3-credit college course but you can audit or just--in the spirit of the 30s--sit in. Anyone over 60 gets free tuition. Email wbarrymd@hotmail.com.

67] –Salim Tamari will discuss "Arabs and Turks: Shifting Notions in Ottoman thnography of Syria" on Thurs,, Apr. 12 from 6 to 7:30 PM at CCAS Boardroom, 241 ICC, GeorgetownUniv., 37th & O Sts. NW, WDC.This event is cosponsored by the Institute of Turkish Studies, and space is limited. RSVP http://salimtamari.eventbrite.com/.Light refreshments will be served. Using Maps, and military manuals this talk will address how the Ottomans perceived the Arab provinces of Syria and Palestine in their ethnography and cartography, and how these perceptions shifted drastically during the WWI period leading to a redefinition of what was peasant, and urbanite, and what constituted an Arab, and a Turk.

68] –On Thurs., Apr. 12 from 6:30 to 8 PM at the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom (3rd Floor), The George Washington Univ., 800 21st St. NW, WDC 20052, join the World Affairs Council-Washington, DC to hear Thomas W. Lippman - distinguished author, news, radio, and newspaper correspondent as well as an adjunct scholar at the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC where he serves as the principal media contact on Saudi Arabia and U.S./Saudi relations. In his new book, "Saudi Arabia on the Edge: The Uncertain Future of an American Ally,"Mr. Lippman highlights Saudi Arabia's role and relationship as a significant ally of the United States, and a key player in the oil-rich region of the Middle East.. As a new generation of young Saudis seeks increasing political participation and reformed institutions, the potential of internal conflict is increasing. Mr. Lippman will address how the recent regional uprisings ("Arab Spring") and continued regional turbulence affects the monarchical leadership in Saudi Arabia, and how these events will impact the U.S.Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship. Members, students and teachers get in for free.Others pay $10. Register www.worldaffairsdc.org or call 202-293-1051.

69] –Prayers for Justice: In Memory of Trayvon Martin take place on Thurs., Apr. 12 at 8:30 PM at Luther Place Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont Ave., NW. Contact Marquita Jones at mjones@lutherplace.org.

70] –There will be a Commemoration of the Interfaith Bridge Builder, Rev. Richard Griffis on Fri., Apr. 13 at 9 AM at ST. PAUL'S PARISH IN ROCK CREEK CEMETERY, Rock Creek Church Road & Webster St. NW, WDC 2011.

The 9/11 Unity Walk Steering Committee and the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, in collaboration with Casey Trees, invite you to a tree planting ceremony commemorating the life Reverend Richard Griffis, a gifted interfaith bridge builder, who died of a massive stroke on 12/6/2011.

Reverend Richard Griffis, in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedies, played a major role in bringing together faith communities, in the Greater Washington Area and the world at large. Through reflection of his life and his stewardship of interreligious dialogue & understanding, we will seek answers to the question: where is humanity headed? Sign up for the tree planting on 13 April 2012 electronically with Casey Trees: http:// www.caseytrees.org.

71] –The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore will host its annual Tax Day protest on Tues., Apr. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Main Post Office on Fayette St.The Pledge will highlight that 50% of the federal budget goes to the Pentagon.Call Max at 410-366-1637.

72] –On Wed., Apr. 18 at 4:30 PM,the Pledge of Resistance will go to Rep. John Sarbanes' office, 600 Baltimore Ave., Suite 303, Baltimore, MD 21204.While inside, we will deliver a letter to urge the representative to pledge to vote against further funding of wars.We will also let him know that he should sign on to the following legislation: HR 780, the Responsible End to the War in Afghanistan Act, HR 676, the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act, and HR 870, the Humphrey-Hawkins 21st Century Full Employment and Training Act.From either 12:30 to 1 PM or from 5 to 5:30 PM, we will demonstrate on Bosley Ave against U.S. wars in the Middle East.

Please let Max know if you can go to Sarbanes' office and what time better fits your schedule.You can reach him at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

Progressive Democrats of America, CODEPINK and others are holding brownbag vigils outside (or inside) offices of members of the House of Representatives. Brownbaggers are demanding commitments to vote against more money for war and for progressive legislation.Hands off Medicare! Hands off Medicaid! Hands off Social Security! END CORPORATE WELFARE!Go to http://tinyurl.com/brownbagvigil.

73] – Max will be selling used books, buttons, bumperstickers, CDs, DVDs, videos and vinyl at the JHU Spring Fair from noon on Fri., Apr. 20 at noon until Sun., Apr. 22 at 7 PM.His booth should be located in the upper quad.Call Max at 410-366-1637.

74] –Volunteers are needed to help with the 27th Annual Maryland Peace and Justice Conference to be held on Friday and Saturday, April 20 & 21 at the Episcopal Cathedral Church of the Incarnation, 4 E. University Parkway, Baltimore, 21218. The theme is: "Peacemaking in the 21st century; 25 years of working for peace and justice in Maryland."Contact Paulette Hammond, secretary, MUPJ, at 410-747-3811 or phamm001@earthlink.net or paulette.d.hammond@questdiagnostics.com.

75] –The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore will host its annual Earth Day protest on Mon., Apr. 23 from 8 to 9 AM on the WymanParkBridge.Call Max at 410-366-1637.

76] –Maryland middle-schoolers, Anne Arundel Peace Action is calling all students to enter a writing contest focusing on the themes of peace and social justice. For more information, call 410-263-7409, or e-mail mjkeller@att.net.Essays must be submitted thru Mon., Apr. 30.

77] –On May 12, there will be a free community event held at Latin Palace--a showing of a Theater of the Oppressed play by El Taller's traveling theater group out of Puebla, Mexico. This Spanish language interactive play will address issues of social justice and feminism. The organizers of the event are looking for ways to promote community organizations in Baltimore serving Latino audiences. If you are interested in sponsoring, helping spread the word or holding an information table at our event please contact Laura at lgudgelgriffin@gmail.com.

78] – Communities United is hiring an organizer for Baltimore. To get a job description email Steve Dooley, executive director, dooley@communitiesunite.org.

79] – Randa Collins is a junior at SalisburyUniv., majoring in Conflict Analysis and Dispute Resolution, with a minor in Spanish. She is seeking an internship for the summer in the field of conflict resolution.She has completed mediation training at the Center for Conflict Resolution at Salisbury, and would like to use her skills in the real world. If you know of any such internships, contact her at rc65615 at gulls.salisbury.edu or by snail mail--Randa Collins, Trio Mentoring, Peer Mentor, Volunteer Mediator, Center for Conflict Resolution, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave., Salisbury, Maryland 21801.

80] – HELP MAKE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST! Since a civil war in 1974 the island of Cyprus has been divided in two with a United Nations patrolled border. Turkish/Muslim Cypriots are in the north; Greek/Christian Cypriots are in the south. Animosities and prejudices run deep. Children throw rocks at each other across the border. Experts believe that Cyprus is at a crossroads between renewed conflict or becoming an example in the Middle East of how two such cultures can live in peace.

The Cyprus Friendship Program, based on the successful model that helped build peace in Northern Ireland, brings over a Muslim and Christian teen to stay with an American host family for the month of July (or ½ month if paired with another host family). This bonding experience in a neutral environment almost always results in a strong friendship. Programming here and after their return to Cyprus turns them into peace builders who are trained in how to influence their peers. The teens are chosen for their maturity, leadership potential, and English speaking ability. You choose the gender and age (from 15 to 17). To learn more contact Tom McCarthy at 301-774-7069 or Thomas.McCarthy@RaymondJames.com.

This video is only 3 minutes long but gives a good overview of the program. It was made by the US State Department

82] –Fund Our Communities campaign – is a grass roots movement to get support from local organizations and communities to work together with their local and state elected officials to pressure Congresspersons and senators to join with Congresspersons Barney Frank and Ron Paul, who have endorsed a 25% cut to the federal military budget.Bring home the savings to state and county governments to meet the local needs which are under tremendous budget pressures.Go to www.OurFunds.org.

84] –If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs or records, contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

85] – Can you use a television set and/or a computer, monitor etc.? Contact Max at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski at verizon.net.

86] –Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees. This is an historic window of opportunity. With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.

87] –WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5. To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.

88] –The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers. You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food. So consider clicking.

89] –Go online for FIRE AND FAITH: The Catonsville Nine File. On May 17, 1968, nine people entered the Selective Service Offices in Catonsville, Maryland, and burned draft records in protest against the war in Vietnam. View http://www.prattlibrary.org/digital/.

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan